Gallatin committee opens discussion on central business improvement districts; schedules outreach

The Gallatin City Council Committee on June 24 heard a detailed presentation on central business improvement districts and voted to place further discussion and outreach on the July 22 work-session agenda.

The item drew a presentation from Bridal Garrison, an attorney with the Bradley law firm, who described the CBID as a state-authorized tool that allows property owners within a designated area to pool funds through a special assessment to pay for services such as sanitation, security, marketing, façade improvements and certain public infrastructure. Vice Mayor Hayes introduced the discussion and Rosemary Bates, the city’s economic development director, helped coordinate the presentation.

Garrison said the mechanism is “a self-help district” created by state statute and noted municipalities use a 1990 act that gives flexibility on term, services and governance. She told the…